Scouts usually fall in love with one of two things: raw, terrifying athleticism or a "pure" jumper that looks like it was engineered in a lab. Rare is the kid who walks into a gym with both, draped in a 6-foot-8 frame and a 7-foot-3 wingspan.
But that's the reality of Anthony Thompson 2026 basketball discussions right now.
If you haven’t been following the high school circuit in Ohio lately, you’ve missed the rise of a player who basically makes the game look like it's being played on a lower hoop. Thompson isn't just a "prospect" in the sense that he might be good one day. He’s already a problem. He’s a left-handed sniper who can shoot over almost anyone, and he just happens to have the defensive range of a free safety.
The Ohio State Commitment: Keeping the Phenom Home
In October 2025, Anthony Thompson made a massive ripple in the recruiting world. He committed to Jake Diebler and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
This wasn't just another "four-star guy signing with the local school" situation. Thompson is a consensus top-10 player nationally in the class of 2026. For Diebler, landing Thompson was a statement. It’s the highest-ranked recruit the Buckeyes have snagged since Jared Sullinger was dominating back in 2010.
Why Ohio State? Honestly, it sounds like it came down to the personal touch. Thompson told reporters that Diebler’s hands-on approach—literally being on the court during individual workouts—was the difference-maker.
He chose the Buckeyes over a "who's who" of college basketball royalty, including North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan.
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What Makes His Game Different?
When you watch Thompson play for Western Reserve Academy, the first thing you notice is the release point. Because he’s 6-foot-8 and has those massive arms, his jumper is virtually unblockable. He leans back slightly, catches the ball high, and just... flicks it.
- The Shooting: He shot 39% from deep on the 3SSB circuit. That's elite for a wing his size.
- The Efficiency: 53% from the floor and 88% from the charity stripe. He doesn't waste possessions.
- The "Lefty" Advantage: There’s always something rhythmically confusing for defenders when guarding a high-level lefty. His drives are hard to time, and his euro-step is naturally deceptive.
But it’s not just the scoring. Defensively, he’s averaging nearly two blocks and 1.6 steals per game. He isn't just a shot-blocker at the rim; he’s one of those rare players who can fly out to the perimeter and pin a three-point attempt against the backboard.
Growth and Transition
Thompson didn't start as a national superstar. Back at Lebanon High School, he was a 6-foot-2 freshman just trying to find his way. Then, a massive growth spurt hit. He grew five inches in a single year.
Most kids lose their coordination when they grow that fast. They become "clumsy" or "all legs." Thompson didn't. He kept the guard skills but added the height of a power forward. That’s why he’s ranked as the No. 1 player in Ohio for the 2026 class.
The move to Western Reserve Academy in Hudson was the final piece of the puzzle. Playing against prep school competition forced him to get more physical. He's currently around 205 pounds, and while he still needs to add "grown man strength," the frame is there to support it.
The "Young for the Grade" Factor
Here is a detail a lot of people overlook: Anthony Thompson is actually young for his class. He won’t turn 18 until August of 2026.
That matters.
In the world of high-stakes scouting, being "young for your grade" is a massive green flag. It means his ceiling is likely higher than his peers who are already 19 by the time they hit campus. He’s dominating 17-year-olds while still being, developmentally, a step behind in physical maturity. Once he gets into a college weight program?
Scary.
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Why NBA Scouts Are Already Hovering
You can’t teach a 7-foot-3 wingspan. You also can't teach the "feel" for the game that Thompson possesses. He doesn't force shots. If the double team comes, he finds the open man. If the defender sags, he punishes them from 25 feet.
The NBA values "3-and-D" wings more than almost any other archetype. Thompson is that, but with the potential to be a primary creator. Scouts look at his ability to decelerate in the lane and use his long strides to navigate traffic. It’s very reminiscent of some of the modern "point forwards" we see in the league today.
What's Next for Anthony Thompson?
Now that the commitment to Ohio State is official, the pressure shifts. People expect him to carry Western Reserve to national prominence. They expect him to be the face of the Big Ten's next generation.
For Thompson, the focus is likely on two things:
- Lower Body Strength: Staying balanced through contact in the paint.
- Motor Consistency: Scouts want to see him stay "locked in" for all 32 minutes, not just when he has the ball in his hands.
If you’re a Buckeyes fan, you’re looking at a guy who could realistically be a "one-and-done" lottery pick. If you’re a basketball fan in general, you’re just watching the evolution of a very special talent. Anthony Thompson 2026 basketball is going to be a name you hear a lot during the NCAA Tournament in a couple of years.
Actionable Insights for Following His Rise:
- Watch the Film: Look for his "high-point" release on jumpshots; it’s the best way to understand why he’s so hard to guard.
- Track the Weight Room: His transition to the Big Ten will depend on his ability to hold his ground against 240-pound seniors.
- Follow the 2026 Rankings: As the cycle closes, see if he pushes into the top 5 nationally—it's definitely within reach.